Madison, Dane County Prepared for Spring Primary

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2/11/2008

(Madison)….Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk and Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said today preparations have been made to make sure polling stations across Dane County have enough ballots and are ready for the upcoming spring primary election.

Voters on February 19th will select preferences for President and, depending on the municipality, also have a variety of county board supervisor and other locally elected offices to choose candidates for.

“We’re expecting voter turnout to be as high as 50-55% in the county but we’re ready in case turnout ends up higher than that,” Dane County Clerk Bob Ohlsen said.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for Dane County citizens to be part of this great democracy and get out to vote,” County Executive Kathleen Falk said. “Dane County has a long standing reputation of elections that are fair and accessible and thanks to the efforts of our county, city, village, and town clerks we’re ready for next Tuesday.”

"Wisconsin is going to be at the center of political universe between now and February 19, and we are expecting heavy voter turnout," said Mayor Dave Cieslewicz. "We are working hard to ensure that the voting process is as easy and convenient as possible. Voters can beat the election day rush by voting early."

Early or absentee voting hours will be held in the city of Madison from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day this week, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. next Monday, February 18th.

Those interested in absentee voting outside the city of Madison are encouraged to contact their respective clerk’s office to determine hours they’ll be open for voters to cast ballots ahead of next Tuesday. Absentee ballots can be obtained by filling out a request form, available at city, village, and town clerk offices across Dane County.

People interested in finding out where they go to vote can use the following websites. Dane County citizens are encouraged to visit: http://www.co.dane.wi.us/coclerk/cchome.htm